Central govt abolishes mandatory EV battery safety tests for incentives

08 Sep 2023 CW Team

In its latest guidelines, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has streamlined the requirements for receiving incentives under the Central Government's various incentive programs. Now, compliance with the prevailing EV battery testing standards set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is the sole prerequisite for eligibility.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries' guidelines emphasised that EV and battery safety compliance standards, already rigorously defined by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, are sufficient and must be adhered to.

These tests were originally introduced by the ministry on November 2, 2022, but the industry received a six-month extension in April. It was reported on April 29 that the ministry had extended the deadline until October 1.

The decision to do away with mandatory human safety tests was based on the findings of a committee led by the Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The committee concluded that the testing standards established by MoRTH adequately meet the current requirements of the EV industry. ARAI is a key testing and certification agency authorised by the Government of India.

Both the Ministry of Heavy Industries and MoRTH, which are the two primary ministries responsible for regulating the transportation and EV sectors, had previously issued separate sets of battery safety standards. This action followed numerous incidents of EV fires reported in the country last year.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries had made human safety tests obligatory for eligibility under programs such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME II) and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for the automotive and auto components sectors, as well as advanced chemistry cells.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries' testing criteria were more stringent than those of MoRTH, involving checks at three levels, including the cell, battery management system, and battery pack. MoRTH's guidelines were also mandatory for vehicle manufacturing.

Government officials cited the breach of administrative control as one of the reasons for scrapping these norms. They explained that the authority for manufacturing, registration, and operational rules for automobiles falls under MoRTH's jurisdiction. Since MoRTH's testing standards are already in place, there is no need for additional certification, according to an official involved in the decision.

The Central Government took a significant step by abolishing the mandatory human safety tests for electric vehicle (EV) batteries that were previously required to qualify for incentives under various government schemes.In its latest guidelines, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has streamlined the requirements for receiving incentives under the Central Government's various incentive programs. Now, compliance with the prevailing EV battery testing standards set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is the sole prerequisite for eligibility.The Ministry of Heavy Industries' guidelines emphasised that EV and battery safety compliance standards, already rigorously defined by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, are sufficient and must be adhered to.These tests were originally introduced by the ministry on November 2, 2022, but the industry received a six-month extension in April. It was reported on April 29 that the ministry had extended the deadline until October 1.The decision to do away with mandatory human safety tests was based on the findings of a committee led by the Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The committee concluded that the testing standards established by MoRTH adequately meet the current requirements of the EV industry. ARAI is a key testing and certification agency authorised by the Government of India.Both the Ministry of Heavy Industries and MoRTH, which are the two primary ministries responsible for regulating the transportation and EV sectors, had previously issued separate sets of battery safety standards. This action followed numerous incidents of EV fires reported in the country last year.The Ministry of Heavy Industries had made human safety tests obligatory for eligibility under programs such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME II) and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for the automotive and auto components sectors, as well as advanced chemistry cells.The Ministry of Heavy Industries' testing criteria were more stringent than those of MoRTH, involving checks at three levels, including the cell, battery management system, and battery pack. MoRTH's guidelines were also mandatory for vehicle manufacturing.Government officials cited the breach of administrative control as one of the reasons for scrapping these norms. They explained that the authority for manufacturing, registration, and operational rules for automobiles falls under MoRTH's jurisdiction. Since MoRTH's testing standards are already in place, there is no need for additional certification, according to an official involved in the decision.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..